Timber Trail Triumph: A Tale of Friendship, Fun, and Forests
In April, some of our team (who we are lucky to call good friends)—Sally, Steve, Memorie, and Kelly—embarked on an epic journey along the Timber Trail, a place that promises adventure, stunning scenery, and a chance to escape into nature. For Memorie and Kelly, this was a new frontier. Both were relatively fresh to biking, and the idea of tackling an 85-kilometre trail through dense forests and across swinging bridges was a bit daunting. But armed with good company and plenty of laughs, we were ready to take on the challenge.
Facing the Fears
From the get-go, the nerves were high. Memorie and Kelly had their doubts—could they really make it through such a long ride? What if they couldn’t keep up or, worse, took a tumble along the way? We all took it slow, offering tips on how to handle the bike better, with Sally and Steve providing plenty of encouragement, humour, and even a few dance moves to lighten the mood. We have also learned that Memories nervous laugh is similar to that of a Gibbon (google it – we have the video proof). However, by the time we got into the rhythm of the trail, those nerves had started to melt away.
Unforgettable Moments
The Timber Trail is nothing short of breathtaking. Winding through the Pureora Forest Park, the trail leads you through lush, regenerating native forests, over impressive suspension bridges, and past remnants of historic logging operations. The beauty of the trail is matched by its history—a story of conservation success, where environmental protesters in the 1970s climbed trees to save this precious podocarp forest from the chainsaw.
One of the more hilarious moments of the trip came when Memorie had a bit of a mishap on one of the swing bridges. After bumping into the side, she found herself crawling across the bridge, much to everyone’s amusement. From that point on, she opted to walk the bridges—a decision that definitely helped keep the fear at bay. The birdlife was another highlight, with many native birds serenading us as we rode through this magical place.
Luxury in the Wilderness
After a full day of riding, reaching the Timber Trail Lodge felt like arriving at an oasis. Nestled at the trail’s midpoint, the lodge is the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness. The warm showers and comfortable beds were exactly what our tired bodies needed, and the meals were just as restorative! Pizza on arrival, a sumptuous dinner, and a hearty breakfast and lunch the next day. The lodge’s off-grid charm didn’t mean sacrificing any modern comforts, and the bar provided a great spot to unwind and toast to a day well spent.
Celebration and Reflection
The end of the trail was met with shouts of joy and high-fives all around. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of accomplishment after a challenging ride, and it was clear that Memorie and Kelly’s confidence had grown immensely by the end of the journey. The ride home was filled with chatter about our next adventures, with Rotorua’s Forest Loop, Taupo Trails and a few other trails already on the list. And of course, all our locals again!
Why the Timber Trail Stands Out
This trip wasn’t just about ticking off another ride—it was about the memories we created together, the beauty of the Timber Trail, and the sense of achievement we all felt. Whether it was the historical significance of the trail, the awe-inspiring forest, or the camaraderie we shared, this was an adventure that will be etched in our memories for a long time. The Timber Trail is more than just a ride; it’s a journey into New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage, and one we’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a bit of adventure with a touch of luxury.
